Two film and animation professors from the China Academy of Art in East China's Zhejiang province have become new members of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, according to a recent list announced by the institution.

Liu Jian, director of the animated film Have A Nice Day (2017), and Du Haibin, director of the documentary A Young Patriot (2015), are among the 928 new members from 59 countries who are now eligible to vote for the Academy Awards, known commonly as the Oscars.

"The academy membership means a lot to me because it is a recognition of my previous work," said Liu, whose film won Best Animation Feature at the 54th Golden Horse Awards.

This is a sign that Chinese animated films are becoming increasingly influential in the international film industry and I hope more and more Chinese animated films can be presented to the world and earn their due respect, according to Yang Cheng, producer of Have A Nice Day.

Du Haibin, another receiver of the prestigious membership status, said that it was "an honor and a recognition", adding that he hopes to make more documentary films in Hangzhou, a city with a booming film industry.

Du has been invited to join the documentary branch of the Academy.

Liu Jian, director of Have A Nice Day (2017), who has received membership of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

A promotional poster for A Young Patriot, a documentary focusing on a young Pingyao-born man directed by Du Haibin, who has received  membership of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences [Photo/CICAF WeChat]